Dutch wireless customers will now be able to access free music streaming services from T-Mobile US Inc (NASDAQ:TMUS). This was endorsed by the Court of Rotterdam, which declared that streaming services being offered by the carrier’s program are not in any violation of net neutrality rules. The program had been called off by the Dutch Authority for Consumer and Market.
The significant role of European Union’s net neutrality rules
The discrimination against online content and services by various carriers has been on the rise. While stricter rules in The Netherlands forbid it, the European Union has also implored the use of net neutrality rules to curb the discrimination practice.
Regulators have been seeking for a balancing act that would stop various kinds of favoritism that could jeopardize competition. Hence they have been are also working hand in hand in ensuring the protection of the net neutrality.
Apparently, while T-Mobile has been allowed to offer the streaming services in the US, the same by AT & T and Verizon had been stopped by the Federal Communications Commission. Nonetheless, the FCC is no longer holding onto the stoppage efforts following the appointment of a new head of the agency by President Donald Trump.
Clarity of net neutrality rules promoted
The decision by the Court of Rotterdam was significant in clarifying the likely uncertainty of net neutrality rules. However, it remains unclear whether or not the Dutch Authority will appeal, and if it will, a court spokesman explains, “The ACM has another six weeks to decide whether to do so or not. We will first study the ruling carefully.”
In other news, amid increased competition from Verizon, T-Mobile is expected to win more subscribers this year. It is optimistic of topping its already 2.8 million customers to 3.5 million. Last year, the third-largest US wireless carrier garnered 4.1 million new monthly subscribers and as it strives to grow its subscription base, its rivals are aggressively marketing other mobile-phone packages.
In the meantime, T-Mobile’s stock was trading at $65.93 witnessing an increase of $1.23 or 1.90%.